Job Discussion Forums

kirstyp · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 3

Hi everyone,
I'm an experienced ESL teacher weighing up future options. I really want to spend a couple of years in the Middle East, and like what I hear and see about Syria. If anyone out there has some recent teaching experience in Damascus, or Syria in general, I'd love to hear about your experience.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 2:07 am Post subject:

My question...as to all posters who come out of the blue with a preference is: Why Syria?

Now before anyone, including the OP becomes defensive, I can think of nearly a dozen reasons why to go to Syria. I jes'want to know th OP's reason.

NCTBA

InterRick · Joined: 18 Jul 2009 Posts: 86

I'm bumping this because I would also like to know about Syria.

LindseyF · Joined: 28 Aug 2009 Posts: 10

Hi all. Newbie here! I am THRILLED to have found this website, and all of the wonderful info about teaching overseas!

Regarding Damascus, I can offer my limited knowledge and hope someone finds it helpful (well, atleast for the next school year). I visit Damascus for 1-3 months every year, as this is where my in-laws reside. Both my sister- and brother-in-law own schools in Damascus. The atmosphere here (probably like most of the ME) is pretty relaxed and easy going (unless you have a boss like my sister-in-law, LOL).

Salary (again, probably commonly seen elsewhere) depends on who you are and where you're from. An American certified teacher could expect atleast 69,000 Syrian pounds a month at an international school with 2-3 yrs teaching experience. They're real good at bargaining with you, but if you keep your ground, you can get this or more.

The cost of living is so low, at this price, you can live quite comfortably. I still can't get over the prices of food, even at quality restaurants. It is, of course, crowded and less clean/sanitary than what one may be used to. The children, however, are typically well-behaved and well-mannered, especially the ones found at top-notch schools.

I'd be happy to provide any additional info!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

From my friends who have tried teaching in Syria, the big problem has been a work visa. Most got tired rather quickly of the trip to Lebanon or Jordan every couple of months or so. How are they handling this problem?

And by the way, you will need to be very careful about not making your post look like a job advertisement or it will tend to disappear. Laughing

These boards live on advertising, so they don't let you do any for free.

VS